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Bulgaria, One place - two seasons, Sofia region, Southwest region

Dragoman Marsh

posted by Dario
Jan 15, 2019 1253 0 1
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Bulgaria is undoubtedly rich in a variety of natural features but did you know that one of the most unique of those is located only 40 km away from Sofia? Exactly, I am talking about the Dragoman marsh, a place of great admiration, both from historical and natural point of view. That’s why I decided I wanted to dedicate part of my favorite project “One Place, Two Seasons” to it.

I do not know how to best describe Dragoman swamp beyond the scientific terms, but it is somewhat full of mysticism and beauty, a beauty that you can not see in many places neither in Bulgaria nor in Europe. Is it because of the simple fact that the marsh area is a mixture of wetlands and karst hills that are home to rare plant and animal species, or because with every step on the built wooden path, you are instantly transported into a totally different and unknown world.

That is how our Dragoman adventure begins!

I visited the place for the first time in winter when everything was stifled and “sleeping” in beautiful winter colors, creating a breathtaking landscape. The route starts from a path, along the road, that leads to the “entrance” of the marsh. From there you will start your transition to the magical world of the Dragoman swamp.

You will first notice two things – the wooden path that will take you to the core of the marsh, and then the yellow observation tower, which has become a symbol of the place. After the first steps on the path, the road is divided into two (right and left). We headed first to the tower (right) as it is the near by stop. Climbing to the tower is easy, just be careful and take the big climb of ten steps and give yourself an incredible panoramic view from the cabin, you will not regret for a moment!

Continuing on the left side of the trail you will find yourself within the actual part of the swamp. You will be surrounded by withered reeds that look like dug golden spears in the icy waters of the swamp. Under the water can be seen frozen plants, arranged like a representation of high art painting, and every now and then you can also notice a tortoise in hibernation.

I have to confess that I visited a marsh in the winter season for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised by the silence and the beautiful scenery I saw. It was inspiring and I understand why is this place a truly special and unique creation of nature.

After a patient count of several months, we headed to the same place in the late summer months to see what the differences are. I think that by looking at the pictures you can answer the question yourself. The swamp was blooming in its full capacity, from a quiet and humble place it had become a total green and damp jungle.

I will not hide the fact that after the first few steps I took my eyes filled with happiness, like a toddler in front of a playground. Just looking at all the greenery and listening to the many sounds of animals like varieties of birds, frogs, and some other unrecognizable creature, it raised some adventurous emotions in me, and it pushed me even harder to escape the wooden path and plunge into the atmosphere of that marsh kingdom.

I was really pleasantly surprised to see what a real transformation has happened to this place, and I’m glad to have visited the swamp in these two seasons to prove once again how colorful and different the life of Mother Nature can be. This is also my message to all of you – it doesn’t matter how many different places you visit at a time, but how many different things you can see every time you visit the same place.

Here I want to express my gratefulness to the nature conservationists of the Balkan Wildlife Society, who for years have been trying to revive this spot of great significance, which in the 1930s was artificially dried in order to be converted into cornfields , but everything took a step backwards in the 1990s when the first actions were taken to restore the biggest karst swamp in Bulgaria.

Useful information:
The Dragoman marsh is situated 40 km away from Sofia and 1.5 km from the town of Dragoman;
In the village you can visit the wetlands protected area and exploration center “Dragoman marsh” where you can learn many interesting facts about the marsh and the region, as well as to see the activities that are carried out for the preservation of the area;
The place is suitable for both seasons, for both young and adults, and is the perfect escape for a one-day trip from Sofia;
Do not underestimate the swamp as a tourist destination because it is one of those natural places that features greatest variety and I am convinced that it will impress you;

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Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake ag February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. 

Yuki-Doro is challenging me who is the better poser. 🧐

#dog #hike # winter
I guess I am starting this year with a true challe I guess I am starting this year with a true challenge - hiking during winter under -15 degrees.

That was the case with the Boyana waterfall. Last year I visited them during the late summer and decided that I want to visit this place during the winter because, to be honest, I have never seen in person a big and full waterfall to be completely frozen.

So, let’s say it was something as a target for me to see it sooner or later. 

But as you can see it was really pleasant conquering this adventure because I had with me the best assistant ever - Mr. little adventurer Yuki-Doro. 

And yes, I won’t lie, I almost lost my hands and one of my legs from the extremely low temperature.

#dog #hike #winter
Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty o Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty of Yuki-Doro and I don’t blame them, to be honest. 

But as it is said - the devilish creations are the sweetest. Well, I can confirm this through my dog. 

SWIPE to the next picture and witness yourself that I have a true monster as a pet, he is twisted and scary, like a loooooot.

#dog #hiking #winter
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain 2290 m the peak is the fourth highest mountain summit in Bulgaria.

It presents the best spontaneous getaway if you want to go out in the nature. Also is way to good challenge yourself. I myself did it multiple times and must confess every time I climb it from different points it amazes me with the beauty that this mountain contains.

#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

Is there anyone who lives in Sofia and had never visited Vitosha Mountain?

Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
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